Behind The Blog… featuring Anya from Notes By A Russian

I hope you’re all well and looking forward to the weekend *woo hoo* I’m already dreaming of Saturday morning lie-in before I lazily pad down stairs to tackle a batch of home-made pancakes for everyone (nom!) However, back to reality this morning as I bring you another fun-filled Behind The Blog post *yay*

As always, if you’re new to Confetti & Curves *friendly wave* and not entirely sure what Behind The Blog is all about *click here* to bring yourself up to speed – you may even find yourself getting involved! And why not?

So today I’m chuffed, thrilled & utterly deeeelighted to introduce another gorgeous gal & blog buddy of mine, Anya (how beautiful is that name?!) from Notes By A Russian. If you haven’t visited Anya’s blog I’d suggest to pay a visit rather pronto or you’re missing out. She’s such a warm & charming blogger who loves a great chatter with everyone who stops by. I have to say she’s incredibly welcoming and has often has me in giggles… it feels like I’m catching up with an old friend rather than someone I’ve never met before!

So without further ado here’s the lovely lady herself to tell you all about the girl Behind The Blog…

Other bloggers, every day I would come across so many wonderful blogs, read through and really enjoy it. And then I thought I really want to try and do it myself and if someone finds that review of lipstick/restaurant/book useful I should do it. I’ve realised that I get a lot of my background information from blogs and decided to join in, plus once I started blogging I realised that I LOVE writing and it really calms me.

Tell us about your blog name… what made you decide on it?

My blog is called Notes by a Russian. I needed a name that would combine all the different things that I write about (food, beauty products, travel, entertainment and general chit chat) but I couldn’t think of anything because there is such a variety and it’s a lifestyle blog, so I went with Notes by a Russian to make it a little bit about me. Name really doesn’t give away much, so I guess it gets people to have a browse and see what I’m writing about.

Do you ever suffer from Blogger’s Block & if so how do you overcome it?

Sometimes I struggle to put a post together because there is so much to say, but then I lay out the post with bullet points and go from there. I think I struggle finding time to write rather than from blogger’s block. But I definitely would not want to just write for the sake of writing, I want my posts to be fun and easy to read, so I always makes lists for potential future posts.

What’s your favourite post to date?

I’ve only started blogging recently, but I think my favourite to date is Things I’ve learnt in Berlin. I wrote it right after we got back from Berlin so the post is easy and light hearted and definitely puts a smile on my face when I look back at it.

Describe your everyday clothes style:

I’d probably say smart casual, I either wear jeans or trousers and pair them with sweaters or blouses, and either flat booties or heeled booties. I would always pick coat over a puffer jacker and when it comes to my bags I like big textured totes. If I do feel like dressing down(when I’m tired or I know that I have a long day ahead) I will wear jeans and converses with a casual tee or a jumper.

What are your current top 3 beauty items?

1) I’m a big fan or red lipsticks, so I always have Revlon’s Colorburst in Standout Remarquable in my make up bag, it’s long lasting and provides a fantastic matte coverage.

2) I couldn’t live without my face wash (I’m obsessed with cleansing), for the last year and a bit I’ve been loyal to Olay’s Essential Facewash, it works with all skin types and the reason I fell in love with it, is that it cleared awful rash on my face after I got back from Bestival last year.

3) I pamper my skin at least once a week and I think that Lush face masks are the best, my favourite is Catastrophe Cosmetic and I raved about it on my blog here.

How do you like to relax & unwind after a stressful day?

My ideal ending to a stressful day would be a nice meal-spaghetti Bolognese cooked by my other half, an episode of Modern Family or any TV show that I follow and a glass of nice craft beer.

Describe your ideal Saturday night:

Living in Colchester it would be a night in with Pete, a home made gourmet meal, good film, good drinks, or maybe a good book instead of a film. But if there was something going on in London, I wouldn’t mind an evening of cocktails and a fun gig.

What do you do to relax?

Read, blog, pamper, indulge on my favourite foods(I will die from gluttony). Sometimes I actually go running to unwind or if I’m really agitated and angry.

Everyone has their bad habits, what’s yours?

I have OCD, so I like to keep everything very neat and tidy. I can’t leave dishes on the side after eating a meal, I have to wash them straight away. It’s really awful.

What’s your most cherished childhood memory?

When I was about 5-6, me and my dad used to go for long walks to the seaside. We lived near a beautiful beach and going for walks with him was so much fun because he would always share his childhood stories with me.

What was your favourite school subject?

I didn’t have one, I was a good student but I never really loved any subjects. When I did my A-levels I really enjoyed doing my Travel & Tourism course.

What’s your dream job?

Marketing or PR in beauty industry, or maybe being Event organisers in a similar industry.

What top 5 things are on your bucket list?

1) Trip to New York

2) Skydive

3) Land my dream job

4) Learn a new language

5) Travel the world(after I’ve been to New York)

What’s your biggest achievement to date?

I guess, graduating from university and not going back to bar/retail work because I hated every second of being in customer service. I’m awful at fake smiling and I really find it difficult tolerating some of people’s requests. I was really glad to go straight into office work after I finished uni and not having to do late nights/weekends/holidays.

Who inspires you?

Successful people, people who achieved where the are by working hard and using their brains.

Do you have a favourite inspirational quote?

‘’Everything happens for a reason’’

What top tips would you give to someone who is thinking of starting their own blog?

Be patient, makes lists of things you want to write about so you don’t let good ideas get away, write about something that you love, make friends and have a fun!

Reblogged this on and commented:
What a great start to my Thursday morning. My blog has been featured on Confetti and Curves by a wonderful Karen. Have a read if you want to know about my bad habits, my top 3 beauty products and lots more! Thank you for having me Karen and thank you for such a warm introduction xx

I neeeed to get out and investigate what culinary delights are on offer… I could be missing on on a whole new pancake experience!! I remember when I lived in Scotland there was a pancake restaurant and it was aaaamazing but I’ve never seen any here in N. Ireland. Keeping fingers crossed I stumble upon one v soon! You lucky gal having your choice of pancake restaurants!!! Do you go often?! Do you have them for dinner often? Xo

Actually, I don’t go that often. I do have them for dinner sometimes: reminds me of my childhood. And with my sweet tooth, nothing better than a sugary dinner 😀 Cinnamon and apple dusted with sugar is just the best 😀
x